Collapsible and rockable sleeping unit

ABSTRACT

THE INVENTION PROVIDES A SLEEPING UNIT THAT IS ADJUSTABLE FROM A CLOSED POSITION IN WHICH A HOUSING FORMS A SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR CONFIGURATION TO AN OPEN ENLARGED POSITION IN WHICH ONLY ONE WALL OF THE HOUSING FOLDS OUTWARD TO FORM PART OF THE BOTTOM WALL OF THE HOUSING TO INCREASE THE SIZE THEREOF. A COLLAPSIBLE CRADLE MOUNTED WITHIN THE HOUSING IS AUTOMATICALLY EXPANDED TO THE ENLARGED SIZE OF THE HOUSING. DRIVE MEANS MOUNTED ON THE HOUSING IS CONNECTED TO THE CRADLE TO IMPART VIBRATORY MOTION THERETO TO OBTAIN A ROCKING MOTION THEREOF.

.Name 8., 19H R. RAPHAEL.

coLLAPsILE AND ROCKABLE SLEEPING UNIT Filed Sept. l?, 1969 3 SheetsSheet l INVEINTOR. RALPH RAPHAEL V' f 75 ATTORNEY June 8, 1971 R. RAPHAEL coLLAPsIBLE AND RooKABLE SLEEPING UNIT 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 17, 1969 June 8, 1971 R. RAPHAEL l 3,583,007

COLLAPSIBLE AND ROCKABLE SLEEPING UNIT INVV'JN'I'OH. RALPH RAPHAEL nited 'States Patent Patented June 8, 1971 3 583,007 COLLAPSIBLE AND ROCKABLE SLEEPING UNIT Ralph Raphael, 140 Cadman Plaza W., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201 Filed Sept. 17, 1969, Ser. No. 858,591 Int. Cl. A47d 9/02 U.S. Cl. 5--109 20 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention provides a sleeping unit that is adjustable from a closed position in which a housing forms a substantially rectangular configuration to an open enlarged position in which only one wall of the housing folds outward to form part of the bottom wall of the housing to increase the size thereof. A collapsible cradle mounted within the housing is automatically expanded to the enlarged size of the housing. Drive means mounted on the housing is connected to the cradle to impart vibratory motion thereto to obtain a rocking motion thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to collapsible sleeping units for infants and more particularly relates to a collapsible unit having a mechanically rocked cradle.

With both the continued growth of our population and the continuous travel of people with children there has been a need for a collapsible sleeping unit such as a crib, cradle or bassinet, that may be easily transported and assembled, yet occupy a minimum of space when stored. In addition, it would be ideal if the collapsible sleeping unit would be capable of automatic oscillation of the cradle portion of the sleeping unit to assist the parents in having the child fall asleep.

Accordingly, applicant has invented a new and novel sleeping unit which has the beneficial attributes of a collapsible crib and that of a bassinet rocker, which have each in themselves been considered in the prior art separately, but not in combination in the novel way of the present invention.

Examples of prior art portable collapsible cribs are illustrated in U.S. Pats. 2,695,412; 2,738,521; 2,780,817; 2,823,390 and 3,336,608, and that of mechanical bassinet rockers are illustrated in U.S. Pats. 2,609,863; 2,884,651; and 2,936,464. Now a new and novel sleeping unit that is both collapsible and in which the bassinet is automatically rocked, has been invented.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide a sleeping unit with novel means for supporting the same, and automatic means for continuously rocking the bassinet, forming part thereof until the child located within the same is asleep.

Another object is to provide a construction for a sleeping unit wherein the entire cradle and housing means is collapsible, which permits the same to be transported from place to place in a compact closed position, i.e., from factory to warehouse or store, or while being transported in an automotive vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for providing the rocking movement of the sleeping unit.

Another object is to provide a simplified construction for automatically rocking a bassinet in a sleeping unit to and fro in a longitudinal direction in such manner as to soothe and put to sleep a child supported by the bassinet.

Another object of the invention is to provide a collapsible sleeping unit, which combines extreme simplicity in design and inexpensiveness `of manufacture with safety and comfort in use and which can rapidly be set-up and folded without requiring special skill or tools.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved sleeping unit, which is light for its size and can be folded into a comparatively small and compact package for transport or storage.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved collapsible sleeping unit, as a crib, all parts of which are linked together and adjusted from a closed to open position. This affords the advantage that there are no loose parts which may be misplaced.

Another object of the invention is to provide a collapsible sleeping unit ideally suited for use during traveling, being collapsible into a carrying case which will easily t into the trunk of an automobile and which may be set up for use in the back seat of an automobile for use of a child while traveling.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sleeping unit of the above described character which is of relatively light Weight and inexpensive construction which is ideally suited for use by motels, hotels, trailers, small apartments, or in any other environment where space is at a premium.

Other objects of the invention will become obvious as the disclosure proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a sleeping unit that is easily adjusted from its closed compact position to its open usable position and includes a rectangular housing means with a bottom wall and upright walls having a cover hingedly secured to one of the walls. The front wall comprises a lower panel and upper panel hingedly secured together and foldable outwardly such that the bottom panel forms part of the bottom wall with the upper panel forming the extended front wall of the housing means. Means are provided for supporting the front wall in its open position and the cover secured to the housing means in the latters closed position.

A collapsible cradle is mounted within the housing means and automatically opens with the outward movement of the front wall to accommodate an infant to be placed therein. `Once the sleeping unit is in its open position the drive means provided may be energized to automatically rock the cradle by imparting vibratory motion thereto. The drive means is mounted on the bottom Wall and includes an electric motor that may be battery powered or be plugged into an electrical outlet in a conventional manner. The vibratory motion is transmitted by coupling means to the rigid base of the cradle and the rocking movement is obtained that may vary in direction and magnitude. For example, the vibratory motion may be longitudinal or horizontal, vertical, orbital in the horizontal or vertical plane, as well as pitch the cradle from side to side. Timing means is provided automatically set the time duration of the Vibratory motion.

lCasters are provided on the bottom wall to help in moving the unit in its closed or open position, with retractable casters on the bottom panel as well. Handle means extends from the housing means as an aid in carrying the unit which is portable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the sleeping unit of the present invention in its open position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational View in section of the sleeping unit, as when in its open position for use, taken along line 2-2 of lFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view in section, similar to FIG. 2, of the sleeping unit, as when in its closed position;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view in section of the sleeping unit taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the connecting means taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the supporting means in its useable position taken along line 6 6 of FIG. 5.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION "Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1-4 thereof, we have a sleeping unit 10 illustrating the invention and seen to include a housing means 12 adapted to be adjusted from a closed rectangular position in which the cradle means 15 associated therewith is in a collapsed position as seen in FIG. 3 and wherein in the open position of the housing means 12 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cradle means 15 is open and adapted for use.

The housing means 12 includes a bottom wall 14, oppositely disposed end walls 16 and oppositely disposed rear wall 18 and front wall 20, with a cover 22 hingedly secured to the rear wall 18 by a hinge relationship such as a pin 23 extending the length of the housing means 12. Obviously, any type of hinging mechanism might be used, such that the cover 22 may move back so that it is in overlapping relationship to the rear Wall 18 or extend upwardly in the vertical position as seen to obtain access to certain power control means 24 and timing means :25 that may be situated thereon and which will be explained hereinafter in greater detail. The cover 22 may also be of the type that is completely removed from the housing means 12 when the latter is in its open position. The front wall comprises a lower panel 26 and upper panel 28 hingedly secured together along a plane substantially parallel to the bottom wall 14 and foldable outwardly therealong from its closed to open position.

Connecting means 30 is provided for releaseably assembling the front wall 20, which in the open position thereof, the bottom panel 26 forms a substantially planer surface that coincides with the plane of the bottom wall 14 so as to increase the cross-sectional area of the housing means 12. The upper panel 2-8 extends in a substantially vertical plane and continues to provide the front wall of the housing means 12. The connecting means 30 as seen in FIG. 5, includes a pair of arms 32 and 3-4 each of which is pivotally mounted respectively to the rear wall 18 and upper panel 28 so that it may fold to the closed position as seen in FIG. 3. The arms 32 and 34 are joined together by a pivot member 35 that is ixedly secured as by rivets pins 36 to arm 34 and having a projection 38 adapted to ht within an opening in the opposite arm 32 so that there is a snap in relationship when the connecting means 30 is in its open position. The arms 32 and 34 rotate about a transversely extending dowel pin 42, with the arm 34 pivotally connected to the upper panel 28 by bracket 44, and the arm 32 pivotally connected to the rear Wall 18, which permits the unit to be collapsed as seen and yet in the open extended position permits the projection 38 to be seated within the opening 40 to lock the arms in place. Accordingly, once the sleeping unit 10 is opened in that the cover or top 2.2 is open as shown the front wall is manually moved outwardly until it reaches the position as seen in FIGS. l and 2.

Latching means is provided in the form of series of clips 46 that extend from the front edge 48 of the cover 22 having an inwardly extending portion 50 adapted to snap 4 into recesses 52 contained on the front wall 20 and as seen in FIG. 3, to retain the cover in its closed position.

The cradle means 15 is contained within the housing means 12 and may include a rigid base 55 and llexible walls 56 adapted to conform to the interior of the housing means 12 in its closed position and to its open enlarged position without any mechanical adjustment which creates simplicity in design and use of the invention. 'Ihe cradle walls 56 are shown of a net like material and may be made of other materials that are of a collapsible nature. Mounting means 60 is provided in the form of a rear plate 62 which compresses the wall 56 of the cradle means 15 against the rear wall 18, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 and held secure by a number of eyelets or other fasteners 64 that retain the wall 56 in xed relationship to the housing means 12. In similar fashion a front plate 66 is provided to support the wall 56, as seen with a plurality of eyelets 64 securing it in place. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the net wall 56 includes a bottom portion 68 which is secured to the base 55 of the cradle 15. Due to the construcstruction the mere movement of the front wall 20 automatically extends the arms 32 and 34, and at the same time the cradle 15 also expands to its useable position.

To facilitate movement of the sleeping unit when either in its closed or open position a plurality of casters 70 are provided and four of which may be secured to and extend from the bottom wall 14 of the housing means 12 such that the unit may be supported thereon. Since the sleeping unit is extended in depth when it is in its open position, movable casters 72 may also be provided that permit support of the lower panel 26 and at the same time are substantially retracted in the closed position of the unit 10. These casters 72 cooperate with the other casters 70. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3 a cutout 74 is provided at each end of the lower panel 26 and the casters 72 are fixed in a position such that when the upper panel 28 is moved outwardly and downwardly it continues its movement until it comes to rest on the casters 72, which are mounted from an elbow 75 extending in a horizontal plane. In the closed position the casters 72 extend into the cutout 74 since the latter forms part of the vertical planer wall in the closed position.

To provide air as well as a certain degree of light an air passage means 76 may be provided in the form of cutouts 77 that extend through one or more walls of the sleeping unit 10, and are seen to extend through the front wall 20 and side walls 16. They also have a tendency to lighten the weight of the unit which due to its portable nature is important. Size, shape and conguration of the air passage means 76 may obviously vary as desired.

The sleeping unit 10 also includes means for providing oscillatory motion to the cradle means 15 by drive means 80, which includes an electrically powered motor 81 mounted on the bottom wall 14. The motor 81 may be battery powered, or as seen may include an electrical cord 82 adapted to be plugged into a 60 cycle current outlet and powered in a conventional manner. The motor 81 has a shaft 84 extending therefrom and the motor 81 is electrically connected in a conventional manner to the power control means 24 mounted on the underneath side of the cover 22 such that it may be switched from an olf to an on position as desired. The timing means 25 is provided and may be a conventional timer that is operatively associated with the motor 81 and switch 85 to automatically control the time duration of the vibratory motion imparted to the cradle means. This is convenient when it is desired to preset the unit so that it oscillates for a given period of time and then automatically shuts off. The motor 81 may be of the type to obtain movement of the shaft 84 extending therefrom in either a vertical, horizontal, orbital or any other desired combination of motion such that the vibratory energy is transmitted to the cradle means 15 by coupling means 86 which is seen t0 include a sleeve 88 mounted and downwardly extending from the base 55 with a socket ball member 90 mounted at the end of the shaft 84 so as to permit angular movement within the sleeve 88 to obtain the necessary motion as indicated in a horizontal form by means of arrow 91. As seen in FIG. 3 in the closed position of the unit 10 the coupling means 86 is such that the ball member 90 is within and at the bottom of the sleeve 90 as compared to the position in FIG. 2, when it is inwardly positioned. There is suliicient clearance to permit the necessary angular movement of the sleeve 88 relative to the ball member 90. Obviously, other conventional coupling means might be utilized to maintain the coupling of the cradle means 15 and motor 81 in both the closed and open position of the unit. The main consideration is that either in the closed or open position there is an automatic coupling between the two such that the user does not have to be concerned with any loose or connecting parts that have to be lirst joined or coupled together before operability of the sleeping unit takes place.

Since it is sometimes desirable to mount the entire sleeping unit 10 either in a crib for example, or a car, there is provided supporting means 93 in the form of hooks 94 that are seen particularly in FIG. 6 to be mounted by a horizontally extending pin 95 with the hooks 94 having a tail portion 96 and head portion 97 that is curved to lit over say a crib rail. The hook 94 in its extended position as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, is so designed as to be rotatable into a closed position such that the curved head portion 97 is completely contained and inwardly directed. This occurs since the opening 98 in the housing walls has a seat 99 which is adapted to receive the tail portion of the hook 94 when rotated 180 from the position as shown. In this manner there is no danger that the hook portion will engage an individual when the unit is in its closed position. If it is not desired to use the supporting means it may be left in said closed position and therefore need not be deployed.

To facilitate movement of the unit in this closed position handle means 100 is provided which may be centrally located on the cover or if desired may be mounted on the end walls to permit the user to move the entire unit on the casters 70 or carry same if desired.

OPERATION OF THE SLEEPING UNIT The present invention provides a sleeping unit 10 which as indicated above is readily opened or closed to quickly and efliciently permit the user to use same. When the sleeping unit 10 is in its closed position the user would iirst engage the latching means 45 to bring the cover 22 into either a vertical position as shown, or completely folded over so that it overlaps the rear wall 18. Once the cover 22 has been opened the front wall 20 is then readily movable from its planer position as seen in FIG. 3, to its extended position as seen in FIGS. l and 2. This is done by the user grasping the upper panel 28 and moving it outwardly such that the connecting means 30 in the form of the arms 32 and 34 extend themselves and at the same time the lower panel 26 reaches its horizontal position with the casters 72 in the same plane as the other casters 70. Obviously, at this time the user might place whatever bedding within the cradle means of the unit. The infant may then be placed in the unit. The switch 85 for power may then be thrown to its on position which would then automatically start the drive means 80 in operation, such that the oscillatory motion of the shaft 84 is transmitted to the cradle means 1S for vibratory movement of the latter. If desired, the timing means may be lirst rotated to say ten or twenty minutes, or any desired period of time such that it automatically ceases when that period of time is reached. If the motor 81 is of a battery powered type then it is not necessary to plug in the drive means 80, if it is not, the unit obviously is lirst plugged in to have the necessary power.

When the user is finished using the sleeping unit 10 then it is placed in its collapsed position by first disengaging the connecting means 30 and lifting upwardly the upper panel 28 such that the front wall 20 takes the form as seen in FIG. 3. The arms are collapsed by the projection 38 being ejected from first the recess 40 which is contained in the arms 32 as previously discussed with respect to FIG. 5. At this time the cover 22 is brought to its horizontal position and the latching means 45 is engaged to retain the sleeping unit in its closed position` The unit may be constructed from a variety of materials, such as plastic, wood, metal, etc.

Although a specific form of the invention has been illustrated, it is appreciated that the sleeping unit, depending upon its size may also be used for adults, animals and as a toy for children. The shape may be rectangular as illustrated or of other geometric configuration and the motion of the rockable unit can be vibratory and/or oscillating in a forward and backward, side to side, up and down, roll, pitch, yaw or any combination thereof.

In its collapsed state the unit can also be used for storage purposes. In addition, the sleeping unit is safe for use in that the electro-mechanical components are not reachable by the user under normal operating procedures. The automatic control which has been illustrated to control the time duration of the motor may similarly be used to control the magnitude of the vibratory motion.

I claim:

1. A sleeping unit for infants comprising:

(A) housing means adapted to be adjusted from a closed position to an open position, including a bottom wall, oppositely disposed end walls and an oppositely disposed rear wall and a front wall, connected together, and a cover, said front wall comprising a lower panel and upper panel hingedly Secured together along a plane substantially parallel to said bottom wall and foldable outwardly therealong from said closed to said open postion,

(B) means for releasably connecting said front wall to said housing means wherein in its closed position said front wall forms a substantially planar surface, and in said open position said lower panel substantially coincides with the plane of said bottom wall so as to increase the cross-sectional area of said housing means and said upper panel is extended in a substantially vertical plane, and

(C) collapsible cradle means within said housing means and supported between said upper panel of said front wall and one of said other walls, said cradle means adapted to be collapsed when said housing is in its closed position and expanded when in its open position.

2. A sleeping unit as in claim 1, and further including:

(a) coupling means extending from said cradle means,

and

(b) drive means mounted on said housing means and operatively associated with said coupling means for imparting vibratory motion to said cradle means.

3. A sleeping unit as in claim 2, and further including timing means operatively associated with said drive means to automatically control the time duration thereof.

4. A unit as in claim 1, wherein said collapsible cradle means includes a rigid base and liexible upstanding walls adapted to conform to the interior of said housing means in its closed position and to its enlarged open position.

5. A sleeping unit as in claim 4l, wherein said walls are of a net-like material.

6. A sleeping unit as in claim 1, and further including casters extending from said housing means to facilitate movement thereof in its closed or open position.

7. A sleeping unit as in claim 6, wherein said lower panel has a pair of casters mounted thereon which in the closed position of said housing means are substantially retracted and in the open postion cca-operate with said other casters.

8. A sleeping unit as in claim 1, and further including handle means secured to said housing means to carry said sleeping unit in its closed position.

9. A sleeping unit as in claim 1, wherein said means for releasably connecting said front wall to said housing means includes collapsible arms pivotably mounted between said walls of said housing means and said upper panel to support the latter in its extended position.

10. A sleeping unit as in claim 1, and further including latching means associated with said cover and a wall of said housing for retaining the cover in its closed position.

11. A sleeping unit as in claim 1, and further including air passage means extending through at least one of said walls to permit the flow of air into the sleeping unit.

12. A sleeping unit as in claim 1, and further including means for mounting said cradle means to said rear wall and to said upper panel.

13. A sleeping unit as in claim 1, and further including supporting means hingedly mounted on said housing walls to support said sleeping unit in its open position.

14. A sleeping unit for infants comprising:

(A) housing means adapted to be adjusted from a closed position to an open position, including a bottom wall, oppositely disposed end walls and an oppositely disposed rear wall and a front Wall, and a cover hingedly secured to one of said walls, said front wall comprising a lower panel and upper panel hingedly secured together along a plane substantially parallel to said bottom Wall and foldable outwardly therealong from said closed to said open position,

(B) means for releasably connecting said front wall to said housing means including a pair of collapsible arms pivot-ably mounted between said walls of said housing means and said upper panel wherein in the closed portion of said housing means a substantially rectangular structure is formed and said front wall Vforms a substantially planer surface, and in said open position said lower panel substantially coincides with the plane of said bottom wall so as to increase the cross-sectional area of said housing means and said upper panel is extended in a substantially vertical plane,

(C) collapsible cradle means within said housing means and supported between said upper panel of said front wall and one of said other walls, said cradle means including a rigid base and flexible upstanding walls adapted to conform to the interior of said housing means in its closed position and to its enlarged open position,

(D) coupling means extending from said cradle means,

(E) drive means mounted on said housing means and operatively associated with said coupling means for imparting vibratory motion to said cradle means, and

(F) means associated With said cover and a wall of said housing for retaining said cover over the housing means in its closed position.

15. A sleeping unit as in claim 14 wherein said walls are of a net-like material.

16. A sleeping unit as in claim 14, and further including casters extending from Said housing means to facilitate movement thereof in its closed or open position.

17. A sleeping unit as in claim 16, wherein said lower panel has a pair of casters mounted thereon which in the closed position of said housing means are substantially retracted and in the open position co-operate with said other casters.

18. A sleeping unit as in claim 14, and further including:

(a) handle means secured to said housing means to carry said sleeping unit in its closed position, and

(b) air passage means extending through at least one of said walls to permit the ilow of air into the sleeping unit.

19. A sleeping unit as in claim 14, and further including timing means operatively associated With said drive means to automatically control the time duration thereof.

20. A sleeping unit as in claim 14, and further including supporting means hingedly mounted on said housing walls to support said sleeping unit in its open position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,676,420 7/ 1928 Anderson 5-109 1,743,828 1/1930 Moran 5--162X 1,748,809 2/1930 Verdini 5--97X 2,247,598 7/1941 Bohlen 5-102 BOBBY R. GAY, Primary Examiner A. M. CALVERT, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 5-102 

